This programmatic composition depicts a dark and intense journey to conquer an enemy force. A mysterious introduction exudes an ominous tone as the dampened pulse of the bass drum creates the timbre of a resolute heartbeat as opposing forces gather, then collide. Intense brass statements, brisk woodwind ostinatos, and running lines combine with unrelenting percussive parts to depict a fierce battle scene. The action then subsides into a triumphant flourish that ends the piece with the assertive and uncompromising sounds of victory.